James Gunn Discusses Salvation, Checkmate, and Deadpool Cameo

James Gunn, co-chair of DC Studios, has recently shared insights about the evolving narrative within the DC Universe (DCU), particularly concerning the television series “Peacemaker.” The second season concluded by introducing significant elements: the covert agency Checkmate and the metahuman prison planet known as Salvation.

Checkmate and Salvation in the DC Universe

In a virtual press conference moderated by Variety, Gunn revealed that both Checkmate and Salvation will play crucial roles in upcoming DC projects, including the much-anticipated 2028 sequel “Man of Tomorrow.” He emphasized that the narrative threads introduced in “Peacemaker” are interconnected with the broader storyline he aims to develop.

Introduction of Checkmate

Checkmate, an independent crime-fighting agency, makes its debut in the final episode of “Peacemaker.” The agency includes key characters from the series, such as Peacemaker (John Cena), Vigilante, Judomaster, and disillusioned A.R.G.U.S. agents. Historically, Checkmate first appeared in DC Comics in 1988 and has included a roster of anti-heroes and prominent operatives like Amanda Waller and Deadshot.

• Checkmate is focused on crime-fighting.
• Peacemaker and Vigilante were early members.
• Gunn has long desired to integrate Checkmate into the DCU.

Salvation: The Metahuman Prison Planet

Concurrently, Gunn described Salvation as a pivotal concept in the narrative. Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) aims to use an alternative universe as a prison for metahumans, drawing inspiration from the 2007-2008 limited series “Salvation Run.” Unlike its comic counterpart, the DCU version will focus on the thematic implications rather than closely adhering to the source material.

Gunn expressed the intention to convey a complex story around the notion of imprisoning metahumans who pose challenges on Earth, encapsulated in the line, “Metahumans are a pain in the ass.”

The Future of the DC Universe

The season finale of “Peacemaker” ends with a cliffhanger involving Chris Smith (Peacemaker), who is abducted and sent to Salvation. While discussions about a third season are uncertain, Gunn confirmed that Peacemaker is integral to the ongoing narrative within the DCU.

As he transitions from “Peacemaker,” Gunn will focus on other DC projects including “Lanterns” and “Supergirl.” He is committed to maintaining a cohesive storyline that encompasses Salvation, Superman, Lex Luthor, and Rick Flag Sr.

Fans can expect a blend of new and recurring themes in these projects. Gunn reassured audiences that understanding the nuances of “Peacemaker” is not a prerequisite for enjoying “Man of Tomorrow,” which will introduce necessary elements about the metahuman landscape.